Rosalind Ainsworth and Sebastian Lumley, Duke of Kelbrook, was arranged by their fathers ever since they were infants. Unfortunately, Rosalind’s memory of Sebastian puts him in a negative light, even more so throughout the years he did not even once sought her out in society. So, Sebastian did his best to rectify that by joining the last few weeks of the Season and to reconnect himself with his betrothed. And because they cannot abolish the contract and felt honored- bound by it, they follow through with the marriage.

I’ve always been fond of the “marriage of convenience” story arc. But I must say, this is for sure one of the best I’ve read so far! I love how simple, realistic and straightforward the story is. Especially how the author manages both the characters to grow together and have that healthy and mature relationship, by communicating with each other. I particularly like how compatible they are and how they focused on trying to grow together rather than the “romance” aspect of their relationship. Kudos to you author for not adding unnecessary plot twists to the story.

Overall I’m giving this book a 4.75 because I believe the author conveyed the story of Rosalind and Sebastian very well. I would recommend this book to those who love marriage of convenience and a bit of slow burn.

Got this from Netgalley, courtesy of Covenant Communications (Thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.

An Unfamiliar Duke — Rosalind Ainsworth and Sebastian Lumley's marriage was pre-arranged since they were babies. As a young girl, Rosalind had a wrong impression of Sebastian. She was not excited about the prospect of marrying a guy she didn't see in Society. Nevertheless, both characters felt duty-bound to continue the marriage agreement out of respect for their parents. Also, I'm glad Sebastian had the decency to ask if Rosalind still prefers to continue the contract.

A glimpse of his kindness:
"We shall both need to be forbearing as we adjust to our new circumstances. May I ask for your consideration also?"
"As difficult as it is to leave behind those you love, you are not completely alone." He paused. "I am with you."

The author makes an interesting take on how both did not see each other for years. However, their interests go well together; his knack for innovation and hers in finance. They both were very practical, which I appreciate, and I also liked her list. Out of all the books in this series, this would be my favorite. I love how they tried to make the best out of the situation, and even if there were some misunderstandings, they both tried their best to meet halfway and be mindful of how they can be a better partner with respect and commitment. Also, appreciate them showing a united front when a particular character slighted the hero.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in a clean, historical marriage-of-convenience trope. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read an arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I give it 3.5 Stars.

I picked this book up and devoured it! I've had a couple of quiet days and I just needed a break from the busyness of life right now. So I have been reading and reading and reading. And this one! Wowsers!!! It is amazing! I've loved the previous books in this series but honestly, I think this is my favorite of the 4 so far! I read for several hours before bed, then my brain decided to wake up super-duper early and would not fall back to sleep. So I picked up this book and read for several hours before my household all woke up. And after the morning routine, I was back to devouring this one. I needed to know what happened between these two.

Rosalind and Sebastian don't start off on the best footing. Haha! I giggled at that opening scene. Leave it to little kids to make a muddle of things and first impressions. But Sebastian makes a bit of a muddle as an adult as well. Poor Rosalind.

This book is a marriage of convenience story. Rosalind and Sebastian have been betrothed since her birth. Talk about a long standing marriage arrangement. Only having the childhood memory of him is not the best footing to start off a marriage. But I loved Sebastian. He is truly a Gentleman. I loved their interactions before their marriage as he was getting to know Rosalind some. And all the many interactions after. They were perfect! Well, perfect in the sense that it built the story and developed their relationship is such a sweet and gentle way. I was honestly grinning nonstop the whole time! I couldn't get enough of these two. I would love to see more of them! Or I guess I should just reread the book and fall in love with them all over again!

I love Rosalind's list. *Heart eyes and Happy Sigh* You'll have to read the book to understand. The locked door. Their first dinner...well kind of. The chelsea buns. The kissing gate. *swoon* The carriage ride. The staff. The river. The tenants. Rosalind. The satchel. The peril. The tree house. Sebastian. Ohhhh, sooo many wonderful things in this book. It's definitely a must read recommendation from me!!! And a definite re-read for me!

I loved the historical aspects that the author included in this novel. In all of her novels actually. So fascinating. Especially about the inventions. The afterword was very interesting as well.

Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses but nothing more. A few moments of peril.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

There aren’t many authors who can do what Sian Bessey does. She takes you to a time and place, introduces you to amazing characters. And then, just when you think all is well, she throws in a bit of danger and intrigue as well. I loved this book, so much!

Rosalind knew Sebastian when she was a girl. And, he would not let her into his treehouse. Much to her horror, she discovered that she was to marry him on her 21st birthday, without her consent. That’s not a great footing to base a marriage on. But…I loved watching the way Rosalind grew to care for her husband. The list of his good qualities versus his bad ones was so great! And Rosalind is such a brave young woman. There were several parts in this book that she showed her bravery and courage.

Sebastian is the kind of man who hides out in his locked workshop and forgets dinner with his new wife. But he’s also the kind of man who can admit that he needs to change and work on himself. And he cares deeply for his household staff, those who live on his land, and his wife. I loved the scene where the two of them work on arithmetic.

And don’t miss the ending of this one! It’ll get your heart pumping and make you worried for both Rosalind and Sebastian. This is such a great book!

They are just good people. Truly. Rosalind and Sebastian are both just pure. They took a situation that was not ideal and made the most of it. He's a freaking Duke, he could be a turd for the rest of forever and what is anyone gonna do about it? But he wasn't. And Rosalind was light personified. I really appreciated the slow and steady relationship growth. It didn't ever feel rushed and unrealistic. I suppose that's what happens when you write like Sian and her characters are real. The jump off the page and I feel life we're friends now.
Also, I would like to live in a home where someone else made me cinnamon rolls whenever I wanted them.

Sian Ann Bessey writes the best historical romance stories! She weaves facts along with a wonderful story and this is that of Rosalind and Sebastian. They have been forced into an arranged marriage that looks like it has little chance of becoming more than a business arrangement. But, Sebastian determines that he is going to win Rosalind’s heart and their relationship blossoms into a love that will withstand whatever life presents. It was endearing to see that Sebastian found things that Rosaland liked and created opportunities for her to continue with them.

Sometimes it’s just easier to write your thoughts and feelings on paper instead of saying them. The letters that Sebastian write to Rosalind were precious. He had made some mistakes and tried rectifying them through his letters and invitations to join him on excursions. Rosalind too, used pen and paper, but more for her own processing as she kept a Bad and Good list of Sebastian. I was worried that if Sebastian found it, their relationship would suffer a huge setback. Rosalind had held onto a hurtful comment Sebastian made when they were younger, but by writing down that offense, she was able to process that and move on to her new relationship with her husband.

Both Rosalind and Sebastian were intrigued with numbers and calculations. There was a level of deep level of trust given to Rosalind when Sebastian showed her his top secret inventions workshop. This also added to the level of suspense and danger that compelled me to want to put everything aside to finish the book.

I highly recommend reading this fourth book in the Georgian Gentlemen series. This can be read as a stand alone if you choose, but these books are so good, you’ll want to read them all! I was given a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

An Unfamiliar Duke—Review
"He kissed her forehead. She met his eyes, and he smiled. 'I found a tiny patch just there that was without mud.'"
Every time I read a Sian Ann Bessey book, I know deep in my heart that it simply cannot live up to her previous books. And yet . . . every time, I'm proved wrong. :)
<i>An Unfamiliar Duke</i> was everything I hoped it would be and more. Sebastian and Rosalind *sigh* were so good together. I loved them each individually, and I loved them together. Their love story felt so genuine and so sweet, just writing about it makes me want to go reread it all over again.
One thing that is always <i>so</i> satisfying about Sian's books is how magnificently grounded they are in history. I was so impressed with how real history was woven seamlessly throughout the entire book, not seeming forced or out of place.
The story was unique and interesting from the very beginning. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept me engaged in the story, and so many moments of stomach-clenching emotion that made me feel so completely taken away from and invested in these characters and their experiences.
Overall, another triumph from Sian Ann Bessey. I couldn't have asked for anything better.
Thank you to the Covenant Communications and NetGalley for the complimentary advanced reader copy; no positive review was required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is my first time reading a Sian Bessey’s novel. Last month, as I was scrolling on Insta and came across this book cover, I immediately thought the Duke resembled my husband. So I applied to be on the launch team. True story.

I was also drawn to the historical romance description. An arranged marriage between two individuals with no affection towards one another. In fact, they would both appreciate a way out of the marriage contract.

Book Synopsis:

Rosalind Ainsworth and Sebastian Lumley’s fathers arranged their marriage way back when the two were in nappies. She was certain that he was the rudest boy she knew, so she wasn’t too disappointed when ten years had passed without seeing the Duke of Kelbrook.

With no way out of the prearranged marriage, Sebastian comes to London to secure the marriage agreement with Rosalind as her twenty-first birthday approaches. London society is shocked at the quick nuptials and leave some suitors desperate for answers.

Upon arriving at their country estate, the two newlyweds slowly begin to appreciate each other’s passions and strengths; but quickly face troubling waters.

What I loved:
- Arrange Marriage
- Slow Burn Romance
- Engaging characters
- Historical details: 1780’s way of life and inventions
- A certain gate...that's all I'm saying.
- Themes of acceptance and forgiveness
- Suspenseful moments


I will need to get my hands on all of Sian Bessey’s books now. This was such a sweet romance that had unique and realistic elements. For instance, the pressure and importance of getting an invention out into the world. Sian’s characters will pull your heartstrings, and some will make you wish you could hit with a pitchfork. Not only was I caught up in the slow-burn romance, but she had me hooked with her historical details and suspenseful plot. Plus, at only 226 pages, I didn’t feel too bad ignoring my SAHM duties.

Thank you covenant for my early copy! All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Oh, my word. Sian Bessey's books never disappoint and this is seriously one of my favorites in her Georgian Gentleman series (I feel like I say that every time...).

An Unfamiliar Duke is a positively perfect combination of engaging characters, a captivating and suspenseful plot, and a sweet marriage of convenience!

Rosalind and Sebastian's story actually takes place just before the first book in the series, The Noble Smuggler. Their fathers signed marriage contract when they were very young and though they have both resigned themselves to an arranged marriage, find they are pleasantly surprised with the other and with how much they have in common.

I love that Sian Bessey somehow writes characters that are both likable AND still have a character arcs. Sebastian's passion of engineering and mathematics was a unique and intriguing part of the story as was Rosalind's keen interest. The buildup to the suspense was perfect and I loved every page of it!

If you are a fan of sweet historical romance, this book needs to be on your must-read list. Another 5+ star sleep stealer from an author who knows how to write stories that you will want to visit again and again.

I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.

In the ten years since Rosalind Ainsworth discovered that her father had signed a contract, ensuring that she would marry Sebastian Lumley, the future Duke of Kelbrook, Rosalind has yet to see him again. On their last meeting, when she was eleven, he refused her entry to his tree house. When Sebastian returns to London, he convinces Rosalind that they should marry and return to life at Finley Park. It soon becomes apparent that Sebastian harbours a secret, which threatens the beginnings of a true marriage. Soon, he is forced to choose between his previous work and his burgeoning relationship with Rosalind.
Set in 1782, this book interweaves several inventions that highlight the changing landscape brought on by the Industrial Revolution. Clearly explained through Sebastian’s work, I loved how the couple grew closer, largely due to Sebastian’s respect for Rosalind’s opinion and her ability to see the good in him, and those around her. This book resonates in its elegance, and I found myself captivated by the feelings that this couple share. A truly magical book to read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and Covenant Communications. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An unfamiliar Duke

This is my new favorite Sian Ann Bessey book!

The book starts off with a flashback, that adds more to the arranged marriage trope and sets the stage perfectly.

I loved their cute meet as adults and how they both have to make sense of how they feel about the arranged marriage situation with the real romantic tension that is present in their interactions.

While they have to overcome their past, I love that the misunderstandings don’t drag on. They communicated so well and there was enough real issues to overcome that the main issue wasn’t misunderstanding or simple uncomfortableness. Their arrangement, while unwanted, also made a lot of sense, and I appreciate that the storyline helps the characters themselves see that.

I loved every time they were on the same page together!!! They had such great chemistry. I loved that they were both lovable, but also both had a lot of character growth.

The history in this book was so fun to learn about. It focuses on the beginning of the industrial revolution and the importance of patents. As someone who works in patents, i just wanted to cheer! Patents aren’t selfish, they are necessary to provide very intelligent hard working person with a way to continue in innovation. This aspect of history was presented so clearly and I loved Sebastian for his care for his friends.

It was all just so well done! Thank you Netgally, Shadow mountain publishing, and the author, for an advanced copy of this book!

An Unfamiliar Duke by Sian Ann Bessey, 290 pages. Covenant Communications, 2022. $17.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Despite knowing her twenty-first birthday would be celebrated with an arranged marriage, Rosalind has held out hope that her groom-to-be would release her from the contract. Sebastian has avoided society as much as possible, which, unfortunately, also means he’s avoided his bride-to-be. Meeting again for the first time in years, neither is sure of the other, but a spark of hope encourages them to move forward.
Bessey has put together one of the most realistic relationships I’ve ever read. Rosalind and Sebastian are both hesitant about their arranged marriage, but they are also both committed to making it work, and none of their words or actions felt forced. Though there are hurts along the way, nothing super dramatic happens to add conflict to their relationship – though the antagonist certainly adds some drama from outside the relationship. It’s refreshing to read a book where the main characters choose to look for the good and make unideal situations work.
Both main characters are English. The mature content rating is for kissing; the violence rating is for illegal activity and gun use.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

This book is now my new favorite of Sian Besseys. While I always find her books interesting due to the extra plot elements and history...this one in particular has an extra added dose of romance and chemistry in her characters that drew me in.

Marriage of Convenience is one of my favorite tropes and I think Sian does a great job of slowly melding the lives of two characters who want nothing to do with a forced union. This isn't an enemies to lovers to situation but more of a hopeful diligence of both people wanting to make something out of an unusual situation. Both parties are high in rank and have a lot to offer, so the pairing makes sense as it prevents unwanted and insincere pursuers. Its slow burn and sweet and we sincerely thank Sian for adding more kissing. I loved the little moments of sizzle that I desperately need when it comes to a sweet romance and I think she did a great job here.

What is also wonderful about this book is the historical significance of inventors and the push to be the first to put their creations into society. She mentions several really fun innovations during a time period where ideas were running rampant and markets were not yet saturated but highly needed and important.

The story starts when three youngsters meet at a treehouse. Miss Rosalind Ainsworth, Jonas Ainsworth, and Sebastion Lumley, future Duke of Kelbrook, the boys were in the treehouse but wouldn't let Rosalind in. Sebastion told her she could not come in. "This is my fortress and until we are married, and I am obligated to admit you, you may not come up." She was eleven and had no idea she had been betrothed to him since infancy. She never wanted to see him again.

Ten years later, she and he have spent no time together. They know nothing about each other. But they were supposed to get married in thirteen days or thereabout and still had not heard from him. Sebastion was visiting Scotland to help with an invention he was interested in. He was particularly good with Math. He does not go to ton events. He is just not interested. He already has his bride.

So many things happen during this tale. It almost takes your breath away. It is engaging and easy to read. The interaction among the characters are wonderfully authentic-seeming. This is the first book I have read written by this author. I loved it and thought she did an amazing job. I am going to get her next novel.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Wow wow wow. Remarkable, fantastic, perfection, any other words that describe an incredible story. This book was everything.

Arranged marriage. Mystery. Swoony kisses. A dashing hero. Danger. Sweet romantic gestures. Lists. Chelsea buns. Need I say more?!

Rosalind and Sebastian have been promised to eachother since childhood. And the time has finally come for them to marry.
I just loved seeing them get to know eachother. The bravery to marry a near stranger, to get to know them, and let them in, it astounds me. It sounds terrifying. And yet time and time again, people faced that exact scenario! Their happiness was hinged upon getting along, building a friendship, and hopefully finding love along the way. Cue the panic!
Rosalind and Sebastian, swoon, I am still revelling in the perfection that is this couple. They are far from perfect people, in fact they make plenty of errors in their newfound marriage, but they do one very important thing! They recognize when they have done wrong, they apologize and they forgive each other! I adored this! I think the basics of a strong marriage foundation can at times be overshadowed by character growth and other events in a story. This story brought it back to what I see as the cornerstones of a successful marriage. In my mind, I have no doubt this couple will have their HEA, bumps and all, they’ll be happy.
This is definitely one of my top reads this year, it was so beautifully written. We get both Sebastian and Rosalinda POV’s which just adds more depth of feeling to the story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am so excited to read more from this author, she is definitely on my must read list!

Thank you NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the complimentary electronic copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Content: clean
Romance: kissing
Violence: mild; kidnapping at gunpoint
Language: none. Unless you count ‘blast’

This is my first book by this author, but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it! I ended up reading it all in one sitting. The storyline is set in Georgian England and is based on an arranged marriage at birth by two families who were great friends. What I loved most was that the two main characters were STEM characters - Rosalind with her love of arithmetic, and Sebastian with his love of engineering and mathematics. This story built beautifully as the two got to know each other and learn that they have so much in common are very well suited, even in the chemistry department. It was a slow burn romance with not a lot of spice, so for those who enjoy historical romances without the sex, this is a great pick.

Overall I would recommend this book for anyone who has a love of historical romances with a HEA. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I thoroughly enjoyed An Unfamiliar Duke by Sian Ann Bessey. This engaging historical romance follows a couple engaged since birth, then estranged and reunited on the eve of their marriage. Sensuality level: sweet.

This is a cute regency romance that also is honestly pretty thrilling at times, which was a surprise that I enjoyed. Plus, it features a woman in STEM!! It’s predictable at times, but in that way where I’m just excited to see how things play out. It feels like regency romance stories are everywhere right now, so I appreciated reading a different take on this subgenre!

"An Unfamiliar Duke" is a romance set in 1782 in England. Sebastian and Rosalind were betrothed at birth and didn't gain a positive impression of each other when they met as children. Sebastian still doesn't like social events and idle chatter (though he loves numbers and talking with inventors). However, he realized that he ought to do a little courting to get to know his bride before they married. Both agreed to have patience with each other's mistakes, and they did make mistakes as two people learning to join their lives together. They were willing to recognize and admit to mistakes and gave forgiveness when needed. Rosalind even tried to think of a good trait or action by Sebastian for every misstep he made so she wouldn't focus only on the negative.

Sebastian and Rosalind were thoughtful, kind, likable characters who reacted realistically to events. I cared about what happened to them. They found shared interests and came to appreciate and love each other. Some historical details were woven into the story, mainly about inventions, clothing, and manners. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable story.

This was a satisfying historical romance. The story was unique and quite realistic. The MC were adorable in their own way and I really liked them. This had everything good that a slow burn romance should have.
I loved to see an honorable man fulfilling his duties and pursuing what he wants.
It was also interesting from an engineering perspective. I’m so glad I read it. I highly recommend it if you like clean historical romance.
Thanks Covenant Communications via NetGalley.

I’ve left my review on Instagram, B&N, GR and BB. I’ll post to Amazon on release date.